The guards at the gate noticed the orc trudging towards them. With a swift motion, one of them signaled the others, their hands instinctively reaching for their weapons.

"Halt!" the head guard barked, stepping forward. His stern gaze softened slightly when he took in the orc's condition. He was still wary but seemed less hostile.

The orc paused, raising his hands in a universal sign of peace. He spoke in a rough, gravelly voice, "I mean no harm. I am here for... closure."

The head guard eyed the orc suspiciously. After a moment, he nodded, motioning for the guards to lower their weapons. "What do you want here?" he demanded.

"Death," the orc answered simply. His eyes held a haunted look, one that spoke volumes about his painful journey.

The head guard glanced at his comrades before looking back at the orc, a surprised expression crossing his face. "You seek death?" he asked, seemingly puzzled.

The orc nodded. "Not for me," he clarified, "I seek closure for a death that has already occurred. I seek a grave."

The head guard considered this, his stern gaze softening further. "Whose grave?" he asked, his voice losing its harsh edge.

"My wife's," the orc admitted, his voice cracking slightly. "She was human. Died giving birth to our child."

A silence fell over the gate, the guards exchanging glances. The head guard's face reflected surprise, followed by a hint of understanding.

"She was from this town," the orc continued, "I want to pay my respects. I want to say goodbye."

"Follow me," the head guard finally said, turning around to lead the orc into the town. The other guards watched in shock as the unlikely pair walked past.

The town was just as bustling as the orc had anticipated. People stared as they passed, some with curiosity, others with fear, but the orc paid them no mind.

They arrived at a quiet graveyard, tucked away from the bustle of the town. The head guard pointed to a small grave, marked with a simple tombstone.

The orc stood in silence, staring at the tombstone. He fell to his knees, his hands clenching the cold snow beneath him. His eyes, for the first time, filled with tears.

The head guard watched the orc silently from a distance, a rare display of empathy on his stern face. He turned around, leaving the orc to his grief.

The orc remained by the grave for a long time, whispering words in a language unknown to the humans. He was saying his goodbye, in the way he knew how.

Finally, the orc stood up, his eyes no longer carrying the haunted look. He seemed lighter, albeit still carrying the weight of his loss.

He found the head guard waiting for him at the edge of the graveyard. "Thank you," the orc said, his voice filled with gratitude.

The head guard nodded, a small smile on his face. "Safe travels, orc," he said, extending a hand towards him. The orc took it, shaking it firmly.

The orc walked away, leaving the town behind. He was still tired, still weak, but he felt a sense of closure, a sense of peace he hadn't felt in a long time.

He looked back one last time, seeing the head guard watching him. Their eyes met, a silent understanding passing between them. Then, the orc turned around and continued his journey.

His journey wasn't over. There were still many miles to travel, many mountains to cross. But he was ready. He had said his goodbye. He had found his closure.

And so, the orc trudged on, his steps lighter than before. He walked towards the setting sun, a solitary figure against the snow-covered landscape. His journey, his pursuit, continued.

And even though he was alone, he was not lonely. He carried the memories of his wife, his love, with him. In his heart, she was always there, guiding him, comforting him.

He knew he would see her again, one day. But until then, he would live. He would honor her memory. And he would keep walking, keep pursuing, until his own time came.

For now, he was at peace. He was content. And that was enough.